PYONGYANG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday urged the United States to abandon its hostile policy toward Pyongyang, saying such a policy has escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

    A signed commentary carried out by the leading official newspaper Rodong Sinmun blamed the United States for failing to make good on what it preaches.

    "The United States said it has no intention to attack the DPRK and didn't see us as an enemy," the newspaper said. "But the reality is not like what it said."

    The DPRK accused the United States of formulating a contingency plan in the event of an emergency situation on the Korean Peninsula, saying it in fact is a "military operation plan."

    The DPRK also lashed out at the incoming joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea which will be conducted in this spring.

    "The exercise is a provocative action which will lead to the brink of war," said the newspaper.

    "The United States should totally abandon its hostile policy against us," it said, adding that "the DPRK people need sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula."